High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a chronic condition that refers to an increased amount of force being placed on the blood vessel walls. Sometimes, high blood pressure can increase a person's chances of eventually developing a potentially life-threatening condition such as a heart attack or stroke. Numerous blood pressure medications exist, but doctors typically prescribe certain blood pressure medications.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is a common diuretic medication used to manage high blood pressure. Drugs.com says that hydrochlorothiazide prevents the body from retaining salt, which leads to increased fluid in the body and high blood pressure.
Hydrochlorothiazide's common side effects include constipation, blurry vision, stomach pain and diarrhea. Notify a doctor if hydrochlorothiazide's common effects remain for more than six to seven days.
Hydrochlorothiazide's serious side effects include muscle weakness or muscle pain, a dry mouth, lightheadedness and restlessness. It can also lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling, drowsiness, thirst and a peeling skin rash. Notify a physician if hydrochlorothiazide leads to these symptoms.
An alteration in hydrochlorothiazide's dose may be necessary when suffering from such diseases as liver or kidney disease, gout, diabetes, allergies or asthma.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a tablet taken once a day.
Valsartan
Valsartan is another medication used to manage high blood pressure. Drugs.com says that this medication is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that works to prevent the blood vessels from constricting.
Valsartan's common side effects include trouble sleeping, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea and back pain. Additional side effects include weakness, an itchy rash, a headache and dizziness. In some instances, valsartan can cause a sore throat, a stuffy nose or a cough. Call a doctor if this drug's common side effects remain for more than six to seven days.
Valsartan's serious side effects include chest pain, swelling, weight gain, fainting and a pounding heartbeat. Go to the emergency room if valsartan causes these symptoms to develop.
Altering valsartan's dose may be needed when suffering from congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease or dehydration.
Valsartan is a tablet taken each day.
Lisinopril
Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor medication that works to prevent chemicals from actually tightening the blood vessels.
The National Institutes of Health indicates that lisinopril's common side effects include dizziness, a cough, diarrhea, nausea, a headache, sneezing, weakness and excessive fatigue. Lisinopril's other side effects include a rash, a decrease in sex drive and nausea. Call a physician of lisinopril's common effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Lisinopril's serious effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a sore throat, fever and chills. This medication also causes chest pain and swelling of the lips, tongue, hands, feet and lower legs. Go to the hospital if lisinopril leads to any of these effects.
Lisinopril may interact with lithium, potassium supplements, indomethacin or diuretics.
Lisinopril is a tablet taken daily.
